Cruise The Mediterranean

PONANT proposes a 9-day cruise between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean. Aboard LeBougainville, you will sail along the Portuguese and Spanish coasts before arriving in Civitavecchia (Rome).

You will embark in Lisbon, the Portuguese capital. There are two UNESCO World Heritage monuments, the monastery of Jerónimos and the Belém Tower, on the banks of the River Tagus. You will also enjoy strolling through the streets of this city of seven hills, soaking up the local zest for life.

After a discovery of Cadiz, a brief call in Malaga will allow those who wish to visit the superb site of the Alhambra Palace in Grenada.

This itinerary includes a port of call in Altea and its beautiful church La Mare de Déu del Consol ("Our Lady of Solace"), easily identifiable by its picturesque blue and white domes, tiled with glazed ceramics.

Your ship will then head to the Balearic Archipelago, with its four main islands that are charming, picturesque and discreet, sitting atop the clear waters of the Mediterranean like grains of sand.

After a call at Bonifacio in Corsica, majestically perched on a narrow rocky headland of white limestone, you will disembark in Civitavecchia, the closest harbour to the Eternal City.

LE BOUGAINVILLE

Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.

As the first ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Bougainville will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort.

Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service.

Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel.

Port of call & excursions

Lisbon

Portugal’s capital city located on the banks of the Tagus, only a few kilometres from the Atlantic coast, is a city of exceptionally rich cultural diversity. At the mouth of the river harbour, impose two UNESCO World Heritage monuments, Jeronimos monastery and Belem tower. Sample the local delicacies such as the pasteis de nata—delicious creamy bakery flans. On the Alfama hillside, as you explore the Moorish streets, you may well hear sounds of fado drifting from the bars. Along Chiado’s elegant streets, big fashion labels will entice in you for a bit of luxury shopping.

14 June 2019 – At sea

Arrival 14/06/2019 . Departure 14/06/2019 .

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observer marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

15 June 2019 – Cadiz

Arrival 15/06/2019 at 07H00 . Departure 15/06/2019 at 18H00 .

Andalusia’s Cadiz is located on the Costa de la Luz, in the south-west of Spain. From the beaches of Cortadura, to the flamenco bars of Santa Maria, through the colourful streets of la Viña, you will be amazed by this city, which is both steeped in history and extremely festive. In the medieval El Pópulo district, you will stroll along covered passages in the narrow gaps between houses. You will also be able to mosey around the lush Mina square. The star of the show is the magnificent cathedral and its dome crowned with yellow porcelain, presiding above the Ocean.

16 June 2019 – Malaga

Arrival 16/06/2019 at 07H30 . Departure 16/06/2019 at 13H00 .

A historical and festive town, Malaga is located in Andalusia, on the Costa del Sol. Between the marina and the beaches, you can stroll at your leisure along the seaside promenade of la Farola. Look out for the Malahgueta bullring, set slightly further back. From the hill overlooking the old town, you’ll see Gibralfaro castle and the Alcazaba, two fortified ensembles rising out from the cypresses and maritime pines. To visit Pablo Picasso’s birthplace, first make for the courtly plaza de la Merced. A few streets back from here, you can explore the museum dedicated to the artist, in the Buenavista palace.

16 June 2019 – Motril

Arrival 16/06/2019 at 17H45 . Departure 16/06/2019 at 18H45 .

On the shores of the Mediterranean,Motril enjoys a special place on the Costa Tropical. Sheltered from the cold northerly winds thanks to the mountains that surround this Andalusian city, the city benefits from an ideal micro-climate.

17 June 2019 – Altea

Arrival 17/06/2019 at 14H15 . Departure 17/06/2019 at 19H45 .

Altea is a delightful small town on the Costa Blanca, to the north of Alicante. Its typically Spanish charm - narrow cobbled streets lined with whitewashed homes, decorated with flowering bougainvillea and prickly pear - attracts artists and photographers. Take the time to stroll around the old town, bathed in the intense light of the Mediterranean, and admire the views from the little squares over the intense azure sea. This is the same blue we find on the glazed tiles of the unusual domes of the Notre-Damede laConsolation church, the main monument in the town, which has become its symbol. It is worth spending some time admiring its baroque decoration and ceramic details.

18 June 2019 – Palma, Mallorca (Balearic I)

Arrival 18/06/2019 at 08H15 . Departure 18/06/2019 at 21H45 .

Palma de Mallorca will reveal its many treasures: idyllic coves, majestic limestone cliffs that plunge into the clear sapphire- and turquoise-coloured waters of the Mediterranean, and vast plains planted with almond trees, olive trees and vineyards. When your ship calls at the capital of the Balearic Islands, take a walk to discover its emblematic monuments, such as its famous cathedral, and amble through its old streets. Here, like a painting, the island’s historical heritage forms a backdrop to the lively and warm cosmopolitan atmosphere of the Mediterranean.

19 June 2019 – Mahon, Baleatic Islands

Arrival 19/06/2019 at 07H30 . Departure 19/06/2019 at 13H00 .

You will be welcomed by the colourful houses of Mahon, its narrow streets and pretty squares that appear as you stroll around this richly contrasting city. Mahon reveals its different neighbourhoods, alternating between monuments, villas and white buildings. Discover the Santa Maria church, a building of neo-gothic inspiration, rebuilt in the 18th Century. It is worth a visit to see its monumental organ with more than 3,000 pipes and four keyboards. Around the Carmen church you will find a local market, full of stands selling avarcas, typical Menorcan sandals originally made by peasants. Let yourself fall under the spell of this Mediterranean treasure.

20 June 2019 – Bonifacio, Corsica

Arrival 20/06/2019 at 10H00 . Departure 20/06/2019 at 18H00 .

The spectacular town of Bonifacio located on the very tip of southern Corsica, clings to a narrow promontory of white rock overhanging the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. You can admire its limestone cliffs hewn out by the wind, before setting off on a cultural tour of its cultural treasures. From the little paved streets in the ancient Haute Ville, to the promenade on the open-air medieval chemin de ronde, this stunning town will take you on a journey back in time. Frequented or secluded, there are numerous beaches to choose from, all in keeping with the high standards of the “Île de Beauté”.

Civitavecchia (Rome)

Disembarkation 21/06/2019 at 06H00 .

Built on an Etruscan site, between the Tyrrhenian sea and the Monti della Tolfa, Civitavecchia respires the dolce vita. This very modern and easy going town combines art and history with panache. You can also visit superb historical sites like Fort Michelangelo or the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi. Just 80 kilometres from Rome, the town is a beautiful first step to the Italian capital.

Formalities

The information below is current but subject to change at any time without advance notice from government authorities. Please consult your respective government agencies for visa and health information.

Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the completion of your trip. Passport must contain at least two completely clear, blank, unused visa pages for each visa required, not including any amendment pages. Visa pages with stains or ink from other pages in the passport are not usable. Guests who deviate from the scheduled embarkation or disembarkation port should research the foreign entry requirements for the port country. Due to government regulations, regrettably, PONANT will have to deny boarding to any guest who fails to obtain the appropriate travel documentation for this trip.

Warning about the use of drones: the use of drones aboard PONANT ships, whether they are sailing at sea, at a port of call or anchored, is strictly forbidden. The use of drones on land in the Arctic and Antarctic regions is also strictly forbidden by international polar regulations. In other regions, it may be possible to use drones on land if permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities of each country and each region travelled through, as well as a pilot’s licence that should be obtained from your home country. Passengers are responsible for obtaining these permits; they should be able to present them at all times. Passengers who do not obtain these authorisations expose themselves to the risk of legal proceedings.

Pre/Post & Overlands

Before your cruise

Discover Lisbon (1 night)
12/06/2019

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Take advantage of one day to discover the Portuguese capital city. This programme will be a pleasant prelude to your embarkation.

Day 1 - Lisbon

Meet at Lisbon airport – Arrival Hall (look for PONANT sign).

You will be greeted by our local English-speaking representative off the flight selected by PONANT.

Transfer by coach to Lisboa Plaza Hotel.

Check-in your room.

The rest of the day is at leisure. Dinner is on your own.

Day 2 - Lisbon

After check-out, embark your coach for a sightseeing tour of the beautiful capital city of Portugal and its glorious past. First, you will be taken to Belém District which is associated to the Great Portuguese Discoveries. You will make a stop at the magnificent Jeronimos Monastery and then, at the Belém Tower (Torre de Belém), one of the most emblematic monument of Portugal with its Venetian balconies and turreted towers, and once departure place of the Portuguese vessels. Both places are listed UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

You will continue your exploration to the Coach Museum (Museu Nacional dos Coches) which occupies a building designed by the Pritzker architect winner: the Brazilian Paulo Mendes da Rocha. It gathers one of the largest and most valuable collection of coaches in the world having belonged to European royal families.

Lunch will be served in the local restaurant.

You will then proceed to the district named “Expo” in reference to the Universal exposition of 1998. You will have some time at leisure to admire the Portugal Pavilion of another Pritzker winner, the Portuguese architect Alvaro de Siza Vieira, walk around the streets boarding the Tagus river, or purchase souvenirs.

You will be transferred to the pier to embark aboard your ship.

Your hotel:

Lisboa Plaza is a charming Boutique hotel in the historic centre of Lisbon. It is located close to Avenida da Liberdade. The atmosphere of informal good taste and the constant updating of services provided make this charming hotel your best friend's home in Lisbon.

Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Lisbon, at the age of the great discoveries
13/06/2019

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organizes your day of embarkation.

Lisbon

Meet at Lisbon airport – Arrival Hall (look for PONANT sign).

You will be greeted by our local English-speaking representative off the flight selected by PONANT.

You will depart the airport by coach and be directly taken to a local restaurant where your lunch will be served.

You will spend the afternoon discovering the beautiful capital city of Portugal and its glorious past. The sightseeing tour will start by a panoramic drive passing by the historic districts of Lisbon: Rossio, Avenida da Libertade and Marquis de Pombal Square. You will continue your exploration to Belém District which is associated to the Great Portuguese Discoveries. You will make a stop at the magnificent Jeronimos Monastery and then, at the Belém Tower (Torre de Belém), one of the most emblematic monument of Portugal with its Venetian balconies and turreted towers, and once departure place of the Portuguese vessels.

Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

After your cruise

Direct Transfer from the port of Civitavecchia to Rome Fiumicino airport
21/06/2019

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organizes your transfer between your port of disembarkation and the airport.

Rome

Disembarkation. Meet and greet your local representative at the port.

Once the clearance obtained, you will depart the pier by coach for Leonardo da Vinci International Airport of Rome, also called Rome Fiumicino Airport escorted by our English-speaking representative on time for the flight selected by PONANT.

Your programme includes:

Transfer as mentioned in the programme.

Services of a local English-speaking escort.

Your programme does not include:

Tips for the driver and local escort.

Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.

For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

During your cruise

Exclusive Visit of the Alhambra by Night
16/06/2019

This overland must be pre-booked and prepaid at least 60 days prior to your cruise.

Any reservation made after this deadline will be confirmed onboard based on availability.

A minimum of participants must be booked in order to operate this tour.

100% of total cost for cancellations made less than 60 days before departure.

From the pier, board your coach and start your 2-hour scenic drive to the city of Granada which is lying at approximately 2.100 feet above sea level, in the shadow of the mighty Sierra Nevada. The Moors stormed across the Strait of Gibraltar in the 8th century, and they were not driven out of Granada until 1492. During the intervening centuries, they brought civilization back to the south of Spain; Granada, and particularly the Alhambra, represent the zenith of Moorish culture in this country.

Once arriving, you will discover the old Albayzin quarter, part of the UNESCO world heritage. You will enjoy a splendid view over to the Sierra Nevada and down to the Darro Valley, and last but not least to the Alhambra itself.

After, you will enjoy an early dinner at the Alhambra Palace. Next you will be walk to the Alhambra for an exclusive visit by night.

You will visit the Generalife, the small summer palace with its attractive gardens. You will walk along an avenue of stately cypress trees and you will be delighted at the sight of trim flower‑beds and box hedges, myrtle bushes and, above all, fountains.

The Nazrid Palace named after the last dynasty of Sultans which made important reformations - is one of the finest examples of Islamic Art. Although damaged and restored over the centuries, it is not difficult to picture the place as it was in all its glory 600 years ago. The ceilings drip with stalactites in stucco, and each room appears more richly decorated than the previous one. Marvel at the delicate marble columns, graceful arcades and fine craftsmanship in the Sultans’ “paradise on earth”. The Hall of the Ambassadors and the Court of the Lions are considered as the gems of this oriental jewel box. From its windows you can look back across to the old quarter of Albayzin and the gypsy haunts of Sacromonte.

Finally, you will return to your coach for a 2-hour transfer back to your ship.

The drive from Málaga to Grenada takes 2 hours. This tour involves approximately 2.5 miles (3 km) of walking, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The dinner is included on your tour. The Alhambra is privatized for PONANT’s guests only. This tour has limited capacity.

Attention: the prices listed at the time of your reservation can be different from those listed in the brochure. These prices can evolve based on availability and the real time rates of the airline companies selected.

Travellers are advised to check all the information with the authorities concerned prior to the departure date. Ponant advises Travellers to consult the country factsheets relating to the chosen destinations. Ponant specifically draws Travellers' attention to the fact that the information provided may change up until the departure date, and they are advised to consult that information up until the time of departure. CDP invites Travellers to adjust their behavior to the visited country, to exercise vigilance and to avoid carrying valuable objects during their travel.